10 Reasons to Filter Your Child’s Water
Water is at the core of healthy growth and development. From the crucial phase of organ development to hormone production in puberty, the quality of water impacts the well-being of your child. Read more to learn ten reasons why filtering your child’s water is essential for optimal health and development.
Vital Organ Development
During childhood, major organs undergo rapid growth. Healthy, pure water is the best thing for your growing child. However, because of this exponential growth, they are more vulnerable. The contaminants in tap water are more harmful to children during their sensitive periods of development. Water is important for many physiological processes like cell division, nutrient transportation, and waste elimination. During the sensitive period, their development is like an open window. If the environment is ideal, they will develop to their full potential. Additionally, children have limited detoxification capabilities compared to adults. This makes them more susceptible to the contaminants in water due to their not fully developed organs.
Neurological Protection
Lead can be particularly harmful in the neurological development of children. When lead is ingested, it can cross the blood-brain barrier, inhibiting the formation of neural connections. Lead disrupts the development of dendrites, axons, and synapses. This explains why higher levels of lead are associated with decreased IQ. This contamination can also create issues with memory and learning. The exposure to lead can cause long-term cognitive consequences.
Oxygen Flow
High levels of nitrates are found in tap water. This can interfere with the blood’s ability to bring oxygen throughout the body. This is due to nitrates converting hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to red blood cells, into methemoglobin. Babies can suffer from “Blue Baby Syndrome” when this occurs. This can cause respiratory issues and immune problems. These increased nitrate levels can be due to agricultural runoff from fertilizers and animal manure.
Infant Formula Diet
This tap water problem is even more important to acknowledge for formula-fed babies. Unlike breastfed infants who are hydrated with breast milk, formula-fed babies rely on water mixed with formula for nutrition and hydration. Breast milk is naturally sterile and tailored to the needs of the baby, which formula cannot do. And since a formula-fed baby's diet is 100% formula and water for the first six months of life, the quality of this water is imperative. Parents need to analyze the water used for formula preparation for optimal growth and development.
Hormone Disruption
Atrazine is found in most water supplies. This herbicide can disrupt the reproductive system by blocking hormones and creating an imbalance in the endocrine system. This is especially concerning for growing children with puberty, affecting hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Puberty is a sensitive period for the development of reproductive organs. Hormone disruption could cause long-term effects on fertility. Read this article to learn more on the Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System.
Fluoride Factor
Fluoride is directly added to tap water. Seems like a good thing, right? Most children exceed their daily fluoride levels from toothpaste alone. Excessive fluoride intake can cause dental fluorosis which causes white spots on the teeth. In addition to dental fluorosis, excessive fluoride can irritate the lining of the GI tract. This irritation can disrupt the absorption of nutrients leading to malnutrition in extreme cases. The enteric nervous system, known as the body’s “second brain”, regulates the stomach functions. This gut-mind connection will impact mood and behavior which can be disrupted with too much fluoride.
Taste Preference
Filtration systems can improve the taste of water. The presence of chemicals in tap water creates an unpleasant taste and makes children less motivated to drink water. When children enjoy drinking water, they are less likely to buy other sugary drinks like juice or soda. Fostering healthy hydration habits is a great way to help a child’s overall health.
Cost-Effective
Investing in a good water filter can save you money in the long run. With a water filter, you no longer have the need to buy bottled water or replacement filters. The upfront cost of purchasing a high-quality filter might be intimidating. But think about the investment for the long-term health of your family. Seems like a good exchange, right?
Environmental Impact
Using filtered water will have a positive impact on the environment. Each year millions of plastic water bottles are thrown away. Having a water filter will decrease the demand for bottled water and help reduce plastic waste. Additionally, fewer plastic water bottles can lessen the carbon footprint of manufacturers.
Enhanced Hydration
Hydration is important in children’s well-being and cognitive function. Water is essential for children’s developing bodies. It is fundamental for physiological processes like nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and overall organ function.
So, where do you start? Research and find a water filter that makes sense for your family. There are various water filtration options like reverse osmosis systems, ready-to-pour pitchers, under-the-sink units, water alkalizers, and whole house water purifiers. Take a step for the long-term health of your family! Here is a list of a few recommended filters to check out:
MultiPure Reverse Osmosis System
References
Chase, C., & Ijjasz-Vasquez, E. (n.d.). How water impacts early childhood nutrition: An integrated water and nutrition framework. World Bank Blogs. https://blogs.worldbank.org/water/how-water-impacts-early-childhood-nutrition-integrated-water-and-nutrition-framework#:~:text=Water%20is%20at%20the%20core,adequate%20sanitation%20and%20good%20hygiene
Drinking water and children’s health. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). https://www.ewg.org/research/drinking-water-and-childrens-health
Eftekhar, B., Skini, M., Shamohammadi, M., Ghaffaripour, J., & Nilchian, F. (2015, September). The effectiveness of home water purification systems on the amount of fluoride in drinking water. Journal of dentistry (Shiraz, Iran). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623834/
Gonsioroski, A., Mourikes, V. E., & Flaws, J. A. (2020, March 12). Endocrine disruptors in water and their effects on the reproductive system. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484/
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Hydration tips for children. healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hydration-tips-for-children#:~:text=The%20recommended%20daily%20intake%20of,old%3A%206%20to%208%20cups
Sheppard, J. (2023, August 18). Best countertop water filter: Why we recommend Berkey. Healthy Child. https://healthychild.com/best-countertop-water-filter/
Woolf, A. (n.d.). Is your drinking water safe?. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Is-Your-Drinking-Water-Safe.aspx
